The Trang Bom Regional Medical Center is monitoring the first monkeypox case of the year in Dong Nai, also the first nationwide. The patient, a 33-year-old freelance vendor from a traditional market in Trang Bom commune, developed symptoms including lesions on his neck, buttocks, and abdomen, along with a two-day fever, on 24/11. He was diagnosed with monkeypox after examination and testing at Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital. As of 10/12, the patient's lesions have stabilized, wounds are dry, and he has returned to normal activities.

Epidemiological investigations indicate the patient did not travel outside the locality between 3/11 and 24/11, nor did he have contact with foreigners or partners. He lives with his sister's family and had close contact with three relatives, all of whom currently show no symptoms. The Dong Nai Department of Health is intensifying community surveillance, monitoring the health of close contacts, and disseminating information and recommendations for monkeypox prevention.

Dong Nai has recorded monkeypox cases in previous years. Suspected symptoms include an acute, unexplained vesicular rash, accompanied by one or more signs such as fever above 38 degrees Celsius, lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes), headache, muscle aches, back pain, and weakness. The incubation period ranges from 5 to 21 days. Currently, Vietnam lacks a specific vaccine or treatment for monkeypox, relying solely on the smallpox vaccine.

Phuoc Tuan